Halloween (and the weekends on either side) mean festivities and fun for adults as well as children. As such, it is important for adults to remain vigilant in their behaviors and actions as the enjoy their holiday festivities and remain aware of the potential hazards that come with the increased pedestrian traffic of Halloween.

Drive Safely This Halloween

The Department of Transportation recorded 106 traffic-related deaths on Halloween night in 2015. More than 25 percent of those deaths were pedestrians, and half of the deaths were associated with drunk drivers.

These deaths are preventable! If you are driving this Halloween, do the following:

Slow down when driving through residential neighborhoods, and obey every traffic sign and signal.

Many young children trick-or-treating have their minds on candy, not safety. Be more cautious and alert than usual.

Drive below the speed limit in heavily trafficked areas to give yourself more time to react if a child darts into the street.

Don’t drink and drive! With services like Lyft and Uber, drivers who have had a bit too much to drink have more options than ever when it comes to getting home safe. In addition, many rideshare, taxi, and towing services offer discounted and even free rides to intoxicated people and first-time riders on holidays and holiday weekends. See below:

Tips for Adult Halloween Partygoers

Again, if you plan on drinking alcohol, plan on having a designated driver or another ride home. Do not drive drunk, ever.

Don’t let others drink and drive or walk home alone after drinking. Find them a sober ride home.

Volunteer to drive others home if you have not consumed alcoholic beverages.

Contact An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

At Thomas J. Henry, we focus on personal injury matters and achieving the maximum recovery for you and your family. Our firm has the resources to take care of you and your family during the legal process. Our lawyers are dedicated to each and every client and their unique case. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries you have sustained. Contact our personal injury attorneys — available 24/7, nights and weekends — for a free legal consultation.

Weather-Related Crash Statistics

1,258,978 crashes occurred due to adverse weather and/or slick pavement conditions over a 10-year period from 2005 to 2014, resulting in 445,303 injured people and 5,897 fatalities.

These annual averages account for approximately 22% of vehicle crashes over the same 10-year period.

The vast majority of most weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement and during rainfall, with

73% on wet pavement

46% during rainfall

Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced auto accident attorneys have experience handling a multitude of injury accidents, no matter how severe the crash or injury. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages if another driver acted negligently. Our firm has the experienced lawyers and financial resources that you need to achieve the real results you deserve.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review — attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. If you cannot make it to our office, we can visit you at your home, in the hospital, or at work.

Ridesharing providers offer consumers an alternative to traditional taxis. Since the founding of Uber in 2009, ridesharing services have expanded rapidly. Part transportation and part social network, riders can use their smartphones to book reliable transportation whenever needed.

However, ridesharing is not without risks. Following a few easy tips can help ensure you arrive at your destination safely.

Woman Recounts Fake Rideshare Incident

A woman’s story about a fake rideshare driver in Seattle’s International District has sparked concerns about rideshare safety. The woman posted on Reddit last Monday claiming that a man posing as a rideshare driver attempted to pick her up at South Lane Street and Sixth Avenue South in Seattle.

After the incident, the woman wrote she called police and was advised if it happened again, she should call 911 immediately.

In light of the woman’s terrifying experience, rideshare company Uber shared several safety tips for passengers when using rideshare vehicles.

Ridesharing Safety Tips

Request your ride inside and wait indoors until your driver arrives.

Check the license plate, driver photo, and driver name to make sure the information matches that displayed on the app before getting in the car.

Ask the rideshare driver who they are picking up. Make the driver say your name first.

Don’t take a different ride than the one you selected in the app – even if the driver offers a lower rate.

If you’re riding alone, sit in the backseat. You and your driver will have more personal space, and you have an exit if necessary.

Share your trip details with family or a friend by tapping “Share status.” They can track your route to make sure you arrive safely.

Don’t share your personal contact information with your rideshare driver. All communication should be through the app.

If you feel unsafe, trust your gut and call 911.

Contact an Experienced Rideshare Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or other vehicle used in a ridesharing service, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our attorneys have the legal knowledge and resources to handle your claim aggressively and effectively. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review.

Sun poisoning does not mean you have been poisoned. This is just another term for severe sunburn. This is generally caused by ultraviolet radiation that can inflame the skin.

Symptoms of Sun Poisoning

Within 15 minutes of being out in the sun, a person can get sunburned. It might not be noticeable right away, but after a few hours you can start to feel the discomfort.

Because you may not be aware that a sunburn is developing, it is easy to become severely sunburned if you stay in the sun a long time and don’t wear protection. You are more likely to sunburn if you have light skin and fair hair.

Severe sunburn or sun poisoning can cause symptoms such as the following:

Skin redness and blistering

Pain and tingling

Swelling

Headache

Fever and chills

Nausea

Dizziness

Dehydration

Treating Sun Poisoning

For severe sunburn, these simple remedies usually do the trick:

Get out of the sun.

Take a cool (not cold) shower or bath or apply cool compresses.

Drink extra fluids for a few days.

Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain.

Use aloe gel or a moisturizer.

Completely cover sunburned areas when going outside.

See immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms.

A sunburn that forms blisters, covers a large area, or is very painful

Facial swelling

Fever and chills

Upset stomach

Headache, confusion, or faintness

Signs of dehydration

How to Prevent Sun Poisoning

In order to prevent sun poisoning you should do the following things:

Wear a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 and says “broad-spectrum” on the label, which means that it protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Put it on all over about 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Reapply at least every 2 hours and after you’ve been sweating or in the water.

Limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and remember that water, snow, and sand can intensify the sun’s damaging rays.

Wear sunglasses, a hat, and protective clothing.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

At Thomas J. Henry, we focus on personal injury matters and achieving the maximum recovery for you and your family. Our firm has the resources to take care of you and your family during the legal process. Our lawyers are dedicated to each and every client and their unique case. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries you have sustained. Contact our personal injury attorneys — available 24/7, nights and weekends — for a free legal consultation.

The official beginning of summer is only days away! Summer is a very exciting time of year for children and their families. People are out of school, there are barbecues, the beach, amusement parks, and anything else under the sun. However, before you pack your bags to enjoy all of the summer festivities, let us remember a few safety tips that can help you and your family avoid serious injury during this fabulous summer season.

Water Safety Tips

Everyone should follow basic safety rules in and around water. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 4,000 people drown each year. To keep yourself and your family safe this summer remember:

Ensure that everyone in the family becomes water competent – that is, learn to swim well, know your limitations and how to recognize and avoid hazards, and understand how to help prevent and respond to emergencies around water.

Adults should actively supervise children and stay within arm’s reach of young children and newer swimmers. Kids should follow the rules.

Fence your pool in with four-sided fencing that is at least four-feet in height and use self-closing, self-latching gates.

Wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when on a boat and if in a situation beyond your skill level as a swimmer.

Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair – everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards. If in a location with no lifeguards, such as a residential pool, designate a “Water Watcher” to keep a close eye and constant attention on children in and around the water.

Driving Safety Tips

Summer is the time for road trips and fun. However, in order to avoid accidents and other serious injuries, remember these following tips:

Be well-rested and alert before long trips. Always use seat belts, observe speed limits, and follow the rules of the road.

Clean your headlights and turn them on as dusk approaches or in inclement weather.

Don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver available.

Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones. Use caution in work zones. There are lots of construction projects underway on the highways.

Don’t follow other vehicles too closely.

Grilling Safety Tips

When it comes to grilling, The National Fire Protection Association says more than 9,000 home fires are started by grills each year. Research also shows over 16,000 people are rushed to the hospital due to grill-related injuries, mostly burns. When using a grill or smoker, always be sure to:

Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.

Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.

Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

Beach Safety Tips

In the midst of all of our other safety tips, we cannot forget about beach safety. Beach safety is always important, especially in the summer, so to ensure a fun and safe summer remember these few tips:

If you plan to swim in the ocean, a lake or river, be aware that swimming in these environments is different than swimming in a pool. Be sure you have the skills for these environments.

Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local conditions.

Make sure you swim sober and that you always swim with a buddy. Know your limitations and make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore.

Protect your neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.

If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Signal to those on shore that you need assistance. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.

When used effectively, a car seat can reduce the risk of fatal injury to a child by up to 71 percent. Unfortunately, a federal study has found that the majority of car seats are being used improperly, hampering their ability to protect children in the event of a crash.

Experts recommend the following tips for getting the most protection from your child’s car seat.

1. Keep Kids Rear-Facing As Long As Possible

The majority of states only require that a child sit in a rear-facing car seat until the age of 1; however, with the arrival of new research, that recommendation is quickly changing. Nine states have already passed legislation requiring children be placed in rear-facing car seats until the age of 2, and New York will become the tenth state with such requirements next year.

Even if your state has not made the change, it is recommended that you keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. Instead of focusing on age, focus on weight and height. NHTSA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) say you should keep your child rear-facing until they have reached the height or weight limits of their car seat.

2. Don’t Overlook Expiration Dates

It may come as a surprise, but car seats do have expiration dates. Plastic and harness materials deteriorate over time. Exposure to UV rays, heat, cold, and regular wear and tear takes a toll on a car seat, and the parts of the car seat can begin to break down. Such deterioration can reduce the car seat’s ability to withstand an impact.

The good news is a new car seat’s expiration date is well beyond what a single child may need. However, when it comes to second and third children, this becomes much more of an issue.

Generally, a convertible car seat will have a 10-year life span and infant car seats will have a six-year life span. Also keep in mind that as technology advances, older car seats may loose compatibility with newer vehicles or fail to meet new safety standards.

3. Do Not Re-Use a Car Seat After a Crash

Any car seat that has been involved in a moderate or serious accident should be discarded. The impact of a moderate or serious collision can damage the car seat and weaken its future appearance.

NHTSA says that a car seat may be kept and used if it was involved in a minor collision in which:

You were able to drive your car away from the crash site.

The airbags did not deploy.

The door nearest to the car seat was not damaged.

There were no injuries to passengers.

There is no visible damage to the car seat.

4. Use the Top Tether

With few exceptions, all forward-facing car seats have a top tether strap that connects the top of the car seat to an additional tether point. The tether is meant to reduce how far forward the child and seat can move during a collision, but many parents forget to use this vital component when installing their car seat.

The top tether can reduce the amount a child pitches forward by up to six inches, thereby reducing the risk of a child’s head coming in contact with the back of a front seat during a crash.

5. Fill Out the Car Seat’s Registration Card

Car seat recalls are not uncommon. In fact, in 2014 a total of six million child car seats were recalled in the U.S. Perhaps more alarming is the fact that fewer than half of the car seats were returned or fixed.

By completing the registration car that comes with your car seat, you are ensuring that the manufacturer will notify you of a recall similar to the way automakers inform drivers of vehicle recalls. You can also check for recalls by visiting the NHTSA website.

6. Read Your Car Seat’s Manual

When it comes to car seats, “trial and error” and “winging it” are not viable options. Read your car seat’s manual for instructions on installation, use, and maintenance. Not only will the manual detail different installation options, it will tell you who to properly disassemble and clean your car seat and when you should move your child to forward-facing or booster seat options.

Contact an Experienced Car Seat Failure Attorney

Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are experienced in defective child car seats and recalls. Your choice does matter. If your child has suffered because of a defective car seat, contact Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys immediately. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death to children between the ages of one and four and is the second leading cause of injury-related death in children under the age of 14. Additionally, thousands of children are hospitalized each year for nonfatal drowning incidents.

Water safety should be a priority for every family. Please take a moment to review these simple and effective strategies for keeping your children safe around water before heading to the beach, lake, or swimming pool this spring.

Designate a “Water Watcher”

Most children who drown are unsupervised. Anytime children are in or around water, designate a “water watcher.” This should be a reliable adult who will avoid distractions like cell phones, conversations, reading materials or anything else that may divert their attention away from the swimming children.

Swimming Lessons

According to the American Red Cross, the best way to prevent child drowning is to enroll children in swimming lessons. In additional to various swimming techniques, your child will also learn how to identify and avoid potential drowning hazards.

Do NOT Rely on Floaties and Inner Tubes

Floaties, noodles, inner tubes, and inflatables are toys, not life-saving devices. Never believe that just because your child has a flotation device that they are protected against drowning.

Establish Safe Swimming Rules

Teach your children to always ask permission before going near water and to only swim in supervised areas. You should also advise children to incorporate the buddy system. Finally, make sure your children understand the dangers of drains and suction outlets. Hair, jewelry, and bathing suits can get caught in drains and outlets, creating a serious drowning hazard.

Be Prepared to Respond to an Emergency

If you are at a public pool, be sure you know where emergency equipment is prior to going near the water with your child. Know how to contact 9-1-1 or emergency responders in the event of an injury or emergency.

You should also know CPR. Learning CPR should be a top priority for all parents. Taking occasional refresher courses is also recommended.

Contact an Experienced Child Drowning Attorney

If your child was injured in a swimming pool accident, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced child injury lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim. Our firm has represented injured children across the state of Texas for over two decades. Call us today to receive a free legal consultation and to talk to our legal professionals.

As we get closer to spring and the weather starts to get warmer, motorcyclists are undoubtedly eager to get back out on the road. However, it is important that riders do all they can to protect themselves and their passengers while on the road.

Despite safety advances and new technology, motorcycle accident-related deaths have actually been on an upward trend since the late 1990s. In fact, 4,976 motorcyclists were killed in collisions in 2016, more than double the number of deaths that occurred in 1997.

While some motorcycle accidents are unavoidable, taking a proactive approach to motorcycle safety can help reduce your risk of crash and injury.

Do Not Ride Without a License

You are required to have a motorcycle license to ride a motorcycle. Taking the courses necessary can increase your skill as a motorcyclist and better prepare you for potential hazards and emergency maneuvers. Other courses may even help lower your insurance costs.

Always Wear a Helmet

When riding a motorcycle, you should always wear a helmet. Helmets significantly reduce your risk of suffering a serious head injury and death.

When purchasing a helmet, make sure it meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. Approved helmets will be marked with a DOT symbol which can usually be found on the back of the helmet. Helmets may also be certified by the American National Standards Institute and the Snell Memorial Foundation.

Replace your helmet every five years, after an accident, or when it shows visible signs of damage – whichever occurs first.

Conduct Safety Checks Before Each Trip

Before you ride, check your bike and make sure it is ready for the road. This includes checking tires for proper inflation and good condition, checking that all brake/signal lights are functioning, and checking for signs of fluid or oil leaks.

If you intend to carry a passenger, adjust your bike’s suspension to compensate for the heavier than normal load.

Remain Seated with Proper Grip

Unless you are signaling, you should be seated at the center of your seat with both hands on the handlebars.

Be Alert and Obey Traffic Laws

The truth is that as a motorcyclist you are at an increased risk of a serious accident than occupants other passenger vehicles. In general, you want to err on the side of caution assume that other drivers can’t see you. Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you and be on the lookout for vehicles making lane changes. Motorist do not always check for motorcyclists (although they should), so taking a defensive approach to driving is a must.

Remember to adhere to all traffic signs and laws just as you would in your vehicle. Also, remember that splitting lanes is illegal in most states and even when legal can confuse or aggravate other drivers.

Watch Out for Damaged Roads and Hazards

Damaged roads and obstacles can be especially risky to motorcyclists. A motorcycle has less contact with the road than a car, making it more likely to skid out of control. There is also a possibility that you could be thrown over the handlebars. If you are unable to avoid an obstacle, try to slow down before riding over it. You should also rise slightly from your seat and brace yourself by gripping the handlebars.

Never Ride Under the Influence

You should never ride a motorcycle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Even legal drugs can leave you with reduced alertness, balance, and reaction time. Drowsiness can have a similar affect, so take brakes when necessary.

Prepare for Inclement Weather

Weather can be a little sporadic in the spring, and inclement weather like rain and high winds can make riding more dangerous. Check your local forecast and prepare accordingly.

Dress Appropriately

The weather may be getting warmer, but that does not mean you should forego proper clothing. Loose, flapping clothing and exposed skin are generally a bad idea when on a motorcycle. You should make sure your body, arms, and legs are well covered and your shoes or boots should cover your ankles.

Never Ride an Unfamiliar Bike into Traffic

Before you take a new or unfamiliar motorcycle in into traffic, take some time to become familiar with its handling and responsiveness in a controlled area.

Hurt in an Accident? Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced motorcycle injury attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends to hear your claim. We can visit you wherever you reside, whether it be at your home, workplace, or at the hospital. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review.

With warm weather returning, many cyclists are eager to get back on the roads. Whether you are new to cycling or a seasoned veteran, take a moment to review the following safety tips to ensure each of your trips are safe and enjoyable.

Position on the Road

Cyclists should stay on the right-side of the road and never against traffic. Use a bike lane whenever possible. If there is not bike lane, ride about three feet from the edge of the road – this can help increase your visibility. If a car is parked on the right side of the road or in the bike lane, pass on their left but only after checking for approaching traffic.

Lights and Reflective Materials

Riding with a front and rear light is essential for evening or early morning rides. Using a flashing red light on the back of your bike and a solid white light on the front will alert other vehicles to your presence. Bright colors and reflective materials can also enhance your visibility on the road.

Be Cautious at Intersections

The majority of accidents involving cyclists occur at intersections. When approaching an intersection, move to the appropriate lane for the direction you want to go. Make eye contact with motorists to ensure they have seen you. Also, remember to heed all traffic signals.

Ride Single File

When riding with others, ride in a single file with space between bikes.

Be Alert

Always be alert when riding your bike. This means no headphone and no distractions. Additionally, keep you head up when riding. You need to see what is coming so you can identify potential hazards and react in a timely manner.

Contact an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced automobile and bicycle injury lawyers have handled a multitude of accident cases and have achieved record-breaking, real results for injured clients. We ensure that you are in the best position possible to achieve the maximum amount of compensation for your case. You can recover compensation for medical expenses, your pain and suffering, and lost wages form missing work.

While some industries are inherently more dangerous than others, workplace injuries and deaths can occur at any job. This is why it is essential that all workers follow general safety guidelines while on the job. The following list of workplace safety tips can benefit employees of any industry.

General Safety Tips for All Workers

Clean up messes, even if you didn’t make the mess to begin with. Whether this means picking up a tipped over tool box at a construction site or cleaning a spill in the office break room, be proactive in maintain a safe workspace.

Keep your work station clean and organized. A cluttered workspace can be dangerous.

Be alert and awake. This is especially true if you are working with machinery or operating a vehicle as part of your job.

Be attentive to your surroundings. When we are not paying attention, avoidable accidents can occur.

Read and obey safety signs, stickers, and tags. Whether it be on a tool, a piece of machinery, or the office coffee pot, warnings are there for a reason.

Take short breaks. Throughout the day, take moments to sit, stand, stretch, or walk to reduce the risk of muscle strains and repetitive motion injuries.

Report any and all injuries immediately. If are injured on the job, report your injury to a supervisor immediately. If the injury is serious, seek emergency assistance.

Working as a Team

Educate others. Others can benefit from your experience. If you see someone behaving in a manner that is unsafe, address the action and advice them on the proper way to complete the task.

If you see something, say something. If you observe a hazard, make sure your team members are aware of it and report the hazard to a supervisor.

Be conscious of those around you. When working as part of a team, be sure you are aware of the work that is happening around you. Do your best to ensure you don’t pose a hazard to your coworkers and that they do not pose a hazard to you.

Communication is key in a work environment. Make sure others are aware of where you are and the actions you are taking if either may pose a hazard.

Hurt in a Workplace Accident?

There are certain steps you can take to help preserve your rights as a victim of a workplace accident. By following these guidelines, you can put yourself in a better position to achieve the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you suffered a work injury, follow these steps:

Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.

Report the injury to your supervisor as soon as possible.

Be sure your employer makes a written report of the accident.

Collect names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

Take photos of the accident area, including of any tools or equipment involved in the accident.

Write a detailed account of how the accident took place.

Contact an experienced work accident lawyer to discuss your rights as an injured worker.

Contact an Experienced Workplace Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one were injured on the job, contact Thomas J. Henry. Workplace accident victims deserve quality, dynamic representation from attorneys with the experience and legal resources to properly develop their case. Oftentimes, workplace injuries are severe and debilitating and put individuals out of work for an extended period of time.

Our work accident lawyers will take immediate action on your case and make sure you are comfortable and informed throughout the entire legal process. Contact us today for a free case review. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide.